Let's go ahead and throw a disclaimer out there up front. I am not receiving checks from Hyundai, nor do think all Hyundais are great. In fact, I may still have a lingering prejudice leftover from the stigma of the 1980's. But it seems with every new Hyundai I drive, I am pleasantly surprised.
And so it goes with the 2010 Hyundai Elantra Blue. It's been in our test lot for a few weeks while we evaluate it for an upcoming test drive. I was expecting a wheezy, underpowered penalty box that underscores the adage, "You get what you pay for". I love when I'm wrong in these situations.
As it turns out, the Elantra Blue is quite the zippy little car -- bordering on "fun-to-drive". The Blue designation means that this Elantra is a bit more focused on fuel economy, with numerous engine tweaks and taller gear ratios. But you'd never guess that from the driver's seat. It's peppy off the line, reaching the 60 mph mark in only 8.3 seconds. Handling is hampered by the artificial steering feel, but its swerves through traffic like a bumblebee on a mission. Not at all what I expected from a car that starts under $15,000.
Then there's the stereo. Our Elantra came with the optional six-speaker system with iPod integration. It sounded great -- and not just for this segment -- even when compared to many higher-priced cars, this system rocked! And working the iPod controls were as simple as we could have hoped for.
For an inexpensive new car that you just want to get around in, without the notion of making a statement or having any sporting intentions, I think the 2010 Elantra Blue is as good as it gets. Congratulations Hyundai, you surprised me yet again.
Mark Takahashi, Associate Editor
By brn
on March 11, 2010
06:26 AM
"I may still have a lingering prejudice leftover from the stigma of the 1980's"
80's? How about the 90's? Even the early 00's...
This Hyundai turnaround is VERY recent.
By ne1butu2
on March 11, 2010
07:04 AM
I have no experience with the Elantra "blue," but the regular Elantra is a fairly lousy little car. I will say that Hyundai's turnaround is impressive. But I'm far from ready to jump on this bandwagon.
By shaddai
on March 11, 2010
08:55 AM
Blue? What's with the blue theme now?
By jederino
on March 11, 2010
09:03 AM
I think it's a great little car, too. I recommended it to my mother who was looking for decent, economical transport and she still really likes it.
By auto_guy
on March 11, 2010
07:28 PM
I would rather buy the Hyundai Accent blue. Around $10,000 dollars for a small hatchback.
By igozoomzoom
on March 12, 2010
02:47 AM
At the base price of $14,165, the Elantra BLUE does NOT include A/C, cruise control or the AM/FM 6-spkr CD/XM stereo w/ aux jacks. To get those features, you must select "Option Package 2" which increases the price to $15,865.
In reality, the BLUE with Option Package 2 is the 5-speed manual version of the Elantra GLS. The only notable features not included on the BLUE are dual illuminated visor mirrors and fog lights, in addition to the 4-speed automatic standard on the GLS. The price difference is only $1050 between these two models when so equipped.
The BLUE is only offered with a 5-speed manual transmission. Unfortunately, the GLS and SE models are now stuck with a 4-speed automatic transmission! I've driven both an Elantra SE with 5-speed manual and a rental Elantra GLS with the 4-speed automatic...the outdated, 4-speed is a dog! The manual shifter should've been left on the SE option list, at the very least...or, even better, get a 5-speed automatic in these cars YESTERDAY!
By igozoomzoom
on March 12, 2010
03:02 AM
auto_guy: As you mention, there is also an Accent BLUE available. But unlike the Elantra BLUE, the Accent BLUE is a true "stripper". It has lacks A/C, radio, rear wiper, tilt steering to get the base price down to $9970. Even the mirrors and door handles are black, instead of body color as they are on other Accent models.
The only option for the Accent BLUE is A/C, which brings the price (including destination) to $11,690. Still dirt cheap, especially with discounts and rebates...but there's one feature missing on the BLUE- Anti-lock brakes (ABS). They're optional on the GS model, but not on the BLUE...unacceptable in 2010!
The Nissan Versa 1.6 Sedan with A/C and ABS is only $11,960...and you get a nicer interior to boot!
By firstwagon
on March 14, 2010
12:57 PM
Hyundai Canada offers their most basic Accent L at $13,599 which includes tilt steering, rear wiper etc.
For quite a while now they have always been offering a large "cash adjustment" rebate which brings the price down to $9999. That makes it a full $5000 less then a base Fit. It may not be quite as good as a Fit and you still have to wind your own windows (neither have A/C) but it's a surprisingly good car for the money. Feels about a decade more modern then the Aveo.
They even offer performance parts if you choose to upgrade it.....
http://www.hyundaicanada.com/Pages/BuildPrice/step4_accessories.aspx
By giselle1235
on November 21, 2010
09:41 PM
The new and latest 2010 Elantra is equipped with a 2.0 liter four cylinder engine that is capable of giving 138 horsepower and gives out 136 pound feet of torque level. The new Elantras are said to be automatic transmissions that meets the partial zero emissions, the blue trim version comes equipped with a five speed manual transmission and the rest GLS and SE version comes with a four speed automatic transmission as a standard feature in the new machine.
http://www.exploreauto.net/tag/hyundai-elantra-2010-review